How is an umbilical hernia formed? The umbilicus is located in the middle of the abdominal wall and is the latest part of the abdominal wall to close during embryonic development. During the human fetal period, two arteries, one vein, the yolk duct and the umbilical ureter are connected to the mother through the umbilical ring area to obtain nutrition. Around the time of birth, these structures are gradually occluded and an umbilical depression is formed when the umbilical ring is occluded. If the atresia is incomplete or delayed and the intra-abdominal pressure rises due to crying, coughing, diarrhea, etc., the internal organs may protrude through the umbilical ring to form an umbilical hernia; it is not obvious when lying down and appears when crying. Liu Sujun, Department of Hernia and Abdominal Wall Surgery, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital What are the clinical manifestations of umbilical hernia in infants? Umbilical hernia in infants is congenital and is one of the most common diseases in newborns and infants. It is mostly reversible. When standing, crying and using force, the umbilical cord swells and a mass appears, usually 1 to 2 cm in diameter, without other symptoms, and is often discovered unintentionally when bathing or changing clothes. When the child is quiet or when the parent presses with the hand, the mass shrinks or is incorporated into the abdominal cavity with a gurgling bowel sound. After retraction, localized loose skin folds are left. Sometimes the mass is larger, especially when the child cries a lot and the abdominal pressure increases, and the skin on the outside shines and appears thin, but because the skin has a certain elasticity and toughness, it usually does not burst. If the occurrence of embedded (lump hard, but also not back, the child cries more than the usual situation) should be promptly to the hospital. Treatment 1. Non-surgical treatment: Use a hernia belt. It is suitable for infants within 2 years old. Homemade hernia belt method: sew a small pocket with a piece of cloth, wrap a 5 cent or $1 coin in cotton and put it into the period, make a round purse, press it into the belly button2 and fix it with a cloth strip. It can be used without at night. When operating, the hernia contents are first returned to the abdominal cavity so that the hernia sac is empty and the hernia contents are prevented from bulging out to facilitate the closure of the umbilical hole. As the age increases, umbilical hernia may heal itself within 5 years of age. 2.Surgical treatment: If the umbilical hernia is getting bigger and bigger, more than 2cm after 2 years old, it needs to be treated surgically.